Roberto Carlos faith claim circulates after marriage to agent Suheila El Tahari

Reports in Turkey claim Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has converted to Islam, but the former defender has not publicly confirmed the claim.

The 53-year-old is alleged to have declared the shahada – the Islamic declaration of faith – during a meeting with Sheikh Jihad Hammadeh in Brazil about four weeks ago.

Several Turkish newspapers, including Haberler, reported that Roberto Carlos had been in contact with Hammadeh for some time before visiting him in Brazil. According to the reports, the former Real Madrid player recited the shahada during that meeting and announced his decision to embrace Islam.

However, no direct statement has been issued by Roberto Carlos confirming that he has converted. The story therefore remains an unverified claim until the player himself provides confirmation.

The reports gained further attention after Ali Sahin, a Turkish MP from the Justice and Development Party, posted about a meeting with representatives of Brazil’s Muslim community.

Sahin said on X that he had met Hammadeh, who lives in Sao Paulo, during a visit to the Brazilian Islamic Charitable Foundation for Muslim Youth. He described Hammadeh as one of the 500 most influential figures in the Islamic world.

In a post shared on social media, Sahin wrote that the “legendary footballer Roberto Carlos became Muslim”. He said Hammadeh had told him that Roberto Carlos, whom he described as one of the great figures in Brazilian and world football and a former Fenerbahce player, had maintained contact with him for a long period.

According to Sahin’s account, Roberto Carlos visited Hammadeh four weeks ago, recited the shahada and chose Islam. The Turkish politician also congratulated the former player, wishing him and his family “a life full of peace, health and blessings”.

The claims have circulated after photographs appeared online showing Roberto Carlos marrying Suheila El Tahari.

Earlier reports said he had married the Spanish woman of Moroccan origin, who is a player agent licensed by FIFA and works in the management of players’ professional careers and football-related projects.

Although images from the wedding were shared again on 17 August, the ceremony was not a recent development. Information about the marriage had already emerged in January, while the couple held a small ceremony attended by family members and close friends on 25 July.

A social media post described El Tahari as a Moroccan-Lebanese businesswoman and players’ agent, and referred to Roberto Carlos as a legend of Real Madrid and Brazil.

Reports indicate that the relationship began professionally before developing into a personal one. The pair are also said to have continued working together on projects connected with the management of players and their careers between Brazil and Europe.

Roberto Carlos is widely regarded as one of football’s finest defenders. He built his reputation with Real Madrid and Brazil, winning major honours during an outstanding career before spending time in Turkey with Fenerbahce.

His powerful left foot, attacking runs and long-range shooting made him one of the most recognisable players of his generation, while his career with Real Madrid, Brazil and Fenerbahce ensured his lasting popularity around the world.

For now, the reports about his religious conversion remain unconfirmed. Any definitive answer will depend on a public statement from Roberto Carlos himself.